A couple of years ago when I still was trying to figure out what to do with my life, a friend and I were having one of those late-night heart-to-hearts and told me I always looked like I just wanted to blend in. While it seemed a little blunt at the time, it was also motivating. I realized I didn’t want to blend in-I wanted to stand out.

If you look at my Drake ID photo from Orientation and look at me now, I look completely different. And I’m not exaggerating. My hair was 12 inches longer and I wore nothing but T-shirts and jeans. Don’t get me wrong — there’s nothing wrong with jeans and a T-shirt, but some days require just a little better.

Fashion is a tricky thing. I don’t know about you, but it has never really come easy to me. Looking through high school pictures is painful. Even first-year college photos make me cringe. But somewhere along the way, I like to think I’ve gotten better at it.

Now, my hair is short with an asymmetrical cut, with one section usually dyed burgundy, I’m usually wearing either my heels or boots. My go-to is black skinny jeans.

In Kelly’s column on page eight you’ll find tips and tricks to perfect finding and shopping for your wardrobe. That’s great and all, but as her counterpart, I could care less about shopping or what’s on the runways. For me it’s all about finding your perfect style. Here’s my (sad) attempt to identify five tips and tricks to helping you get there.

1. Be yourself. Cheesy, I know. But true none the less. I don’t really care what’s “in” — what you like will make your style truly unique and make your outfit way more interesting. Wearing the latest trends tells me nothing about your personality — use your outfit as an opportunity to showcase it.

2. Find something you can feel confident in. Something you put on and it makes you feel like you can tackle anything. Personally, I like to go for a “sassy” look, like my black ankle booties. Or for work, pencil skirts. I always feel ready for the day when I’m wearing a great pencil skirt (thank you, New York & Company).

I don’t know what it is about it but it fits me perfectly and makes me feel like I can take on the world when I’m wearing one.

3.I’m going to have to side with Kelly on this — splurge. Trust me. It’s worth it. I like to splurge on pieces I know I won’t find in American Eagle or Forever 21.

Some items — like your favorite pair of jeans or your go-to LBD (little black dress) are worth shelling out the extra cash, so you don’t have to replace it less than a year later.

4. Find a brand you like. One you can identify with. One you know that you will always be able to find something, whether it’s a comfy shirt or the perfect pair of jeans. For Kelly, it’s J.Crew and their preppy kind of clothes and cuts.

I like finding clothes in different boutiques because they always have eclectic clothes and accessories. And if that fails me — Target. Seriously. I can always depend on Target. Whatever brand it is — find that one that season after season you love each and every piece. It’s an easy way to identify what vibe you typically go for.

5. Need inspiration? Pinterest. I know we all have that secret closet we want on there. Take it one step further than just pinning it and dreaming about it — buy it. Click on the link and order it. Seeing it online and “in-action” may inspire you. It also may help you find other ways to re-style old, classic pieces. You could also devour fashion blogs like Kelly does for inspiration, but there are other great apps like Wanelo that only allow you to save pieces you can actually buy. The Internet can be a great tool to document and keep track of your sense of style.

Think about what you’re wearing each morning, but don’t try too hard. Wear what you like, and don’t second-guess it. At the end of the day — if you love it, rock it.

Wurm is a senior public relations and politics double major and can be reached at larissa.wurm@drake.edu